Ways to Make an Impact this Holiday Season
'Tis the season of giving, and what better time to give back to our community? As we gear up for this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of local initiatives near the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park and downtown campuses. From coat drives to toy collections, you can make a positive impact in plenty of ways. Take note of the deadlines to ensure your contributions make it in time for the holidays!
On Campus
UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital ‘Comer Cheer’ program
About: Annual tradition of offering spirt-lifting gifts and activities, including virtual Santa Claus visits, magic shows, and art projects to children staying the hospital over the holidays. Toy, book, or game donations (that follow specific guidelines), monetary donations and purchases from curated Wish Lists are accepted.
When: Now through Dec. 18. Donations after the deadline will be accepted in the New Year to support hospitalized children in 2025.
Where: Toy donations can be shipped* directly to the hospital (Comer Children’s Hospital, Amy Carter, Child Life K135, 5835 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago IL 60637). To make a monetary gift, visit the UChicago Giving online portal or download, complete, and mail this form.
View full donation guidelines on this flyer
Support local businesses while you shop
Toys et Cetera: Use coupon code COMER for 20% off any toy purchased that is donated to Comer Children’s. Shop online, by phone (773-324-6039), or in-store (1502 E. 55th Street, Hyde Park). Enter “Local Pickup” as the shipping option for online orders and include “Comer Donation” in the notes. 57th Street
Books: Your purchase of a gift card in any denomination will provide a selection of books to Comer Children’s Hospital. Purchase your gift cards online via this link from November 1st through December 21st .
Questions? Contact Amy Carter at amy.carter@uchicagomedicine.org or 773.702.0407.
*Note: Donors wanting to drop off any gifts in person will need to coordinate a time, day, and location for drop off with Amy Carter (contact info above), but direct shipping via Amazon or other retailers is strongly encouraged.
UChicago Medicine CCHE Winter Coat Drive
About: The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination (CCHE) is organizing a winter coat drive for adults in need on the South Side of Chicago. New and gently used coats, scarves and gloves in adult sizes will be accepted. All items should be clean and wearable.
When: Now through Nov. 30. Distribution will take place during community events on November 23, December 4, and December 18.
Where: Donations should be dropped off at The Village – CCHE at 1525 E 55th St. Suite 205, Monday – Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact Esbeidy Torres Hondal at esbeidy@bsd.uhicago.edu
In Hyde Park
57th Street Books Food Drive & Giving Tree
About: 57th Street Books is partnering with Nita’s Love Train, a grassroots mutual aid project that provides free baby essentials, hygiene products, food, cash assistance, and more to families in all corners of Chicago. Starting November 30th, the next time you’re browsing at 57th Street Books, bring your nonperishable food donations and buy a gift card from our Giving Tree! Your contributions help Chicago families have a brighter holiday season — and supports a larger grassroots movement of care and connection.
Website: https://www.semcoop.com/food-drive-giving-tree
Hyde Park Neighborhood Club (HPNC) Online Portal
About: The 115-year-old community center has an online portal where Hyde Parkers can get involved in ongoing volunteer work, such as Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist with supportive programming, afterschool programming volunteers, ways to donate, and more.
Website: www.hpnclub.org/get-involved
Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council
About: The local faith-based organization is seeking volunteers for its hunger programs, which included a mix of food pantries and meal services for those in need. Volunteers order food, unload deliveries, pre-pack bags and distribute food.
Website: hpkinterfaith.org/programs/food-pantry/
Contact: Email office@hpuc.org or call 773.363.6063
Hyde Park Refugee Project
About: The volunteer-run organization is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers for a variety of needs, including working with families, mentoring, in-home tutoring, teaching english as a second language, interpreting, and volunteer accountants and administrative support.
Website: www.hprpchicago.org
Contact: hydeparkrefugeeproject@gmail.com